Japan

Learn the way of the Ninja : a Japan family trip

When

Mar-May | Oct-Nov

Price

From $12,139pp excl. flights
(based on 2 ppl sharing)

How long

10 nights ideal length

The ultimate family tour of Japan

Konnichiwa.. Here at Black Tomato our Japan experts have been working hard to hone one of our favorite family travel experiences, one that promises to get you under the skin of Japan’s culture and it’s fascinating and mysterious ancient disciplines: the art of Ninja (or shinobi) and Sumo.

History tells us that a Ninja was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan. As time drew on, the abilities of the ‘shinobi’ became twisted in legend and folklore as claims were made linking them to abilities in invisibility, walking on water, and control over the natural elements. On this 10-night family trip from Tokyo to Kyoto, we will take you through a beguiling clash of old and new, giving you the inside track on this ancient culture and fascinating traditions, all the while exploring Japan’s beautiful landscapes along the way.

By the time you finish your trip to Japan you’ll have fought like a Sumo Wrestler, whipped up tasty Ramen dishes, mastered the art of meditation and explored the most beautiful temples you’ll lay your eyes on.

Starting in Tokyo, and with our expert guides, you’ll get the inside track on the very best that Tokyo has to offer. One of our all-time favorite destinations, this city combines the thrilling vibe of the present with the beautiful traditions of the past. For a gentle introduction to the land of the rising sun, your trip begins with a four-night stay at the Peninsula Tokyo, a luxury urban treat and a perfect start to your Japan vacation.

A Sumo Stable tour in Tokyo

On your first day, you’ll be met by our sumo specialist and taken off for a sumo stable tour, where you’ll be able to watch the wrestlers undergoing their morning training. This unique experience allows you to get behind the scenes and truly understand this iconic sport that’s steeped in tradition. For insight like no other, we’ll arrange for your guide to be the premier English language sumo reporter in Japan and a former wrestler himself. His insider access gives you the chance to really get up close and personal and will include the opportunity to chat with the wrestlers and even have a photo taken with them.

Make this itinerary yours

Each and every Black Tomato trip is tailored exactly to who you are and what you want to do So tell us about yourself and we’ll create something that’s entirely you.

Start Planning

After your sumo stable tour, you’ll be met by your next guide and taken off for a half day adventure around Tokyo. Unleash your inner tech-geek and visit the electronics culture paradise Akihabara, before ending the day by strolling through the Yanasen district, where you can experience a slower and more relaxed side of Tokyo. Strewn with small temples, craft shops, galleries and cafés, it’s a great area to wander and experience a different side of the subwaypolis.

A visit with a Master Sensei

Today we’ll arrange for the most incredible learning experience in which you will receive martial arts lessons from one of Japan’s most legendary sensei. This master has a karate dojo in Tokyo’s smartest neighborhoods, and it’s here that Yoji Yamamoto and other martial arts legends also train. As a family, you’ll learn about the spiritual side of Ninja, including meditation, ancestor veneration and the concept of Ku (“no-self”). You will have the chance to don an authentic Ninja costume and will study and handle a variety of distinctive Ninja weapons such as throwing stars and blowguns. During your session, you will also have the chance to practice Ninja techniques such as stealthy steps, hardened hands and the “inner eye” (Be sure not to lose any fingers – you’ll need them for your ramen masterclass in Kyoto).

Sweet endings in Tokyo

For your last full day in Tokyo, we’ll show you the best of the city’s temples, food markets and shopping districts. After lunch why not try your hand at making amezaiku candy. Your guide will take you first to visit the Ameshin workshop, where you will join a class in making these incredible confections that resemble works of art. You’ll then explore the streets around the area, which also have a great range of traditional confectioners and bakeries to visit.

Board the bullet train

At Black Tomato we like to mix the ying with the yang, so following your stay in the capital we’ll whisk you away (at 260km an hour to be precise) on the legendary bullet train and head southwest for an hour to Hakone National Park. Famed for its hot springs and glorifying views of the one and only Mount Fuji, spend your time relaxing at Ginyu Hakone for two blissful nights. This traditional Japanese retreat is sure to awaken your senses to the natural beauty of the area, with spectacular views over the river and mountains. If you’re feeling more energetic, trace the cobbled remains of Old Tokkaido Road, the ancient highway that joined Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period, and is best preserved in this area.

Learn to make ramen in Kyoto

Hop back on the bullet train as you head west to Kyoto for the next step of your family trip. Discover this historical city with a private guide in tow, starting in the western part of the city, Arashiyama, which boasts world heritage temples and beautiful bamboo groves. We love Tenryu-ji, with a breath-taking dragon ceiling and the Sanjusangendo temple, where thousands of statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, await you. Don’t forget to take an afternoon break in a traditional Japanese tea room to witness the classic ceremony. Your lodgings for your stay in Kyoto is the elegant Four Seasons, set amid tranquil pond gardens in the temple district, perfect for retreating to after a day exploring. There’s even a teahouse on the hotel lake.

You wouldn’t travel to Japan without sampling ramen in Kyoto, so we’ve gone one better and booked you onto a ramen masterclass to try your hand at creating this iconic noodle soup dish to savor after your culture-fuelled day exploring. Spend your last day of your family trip back in Tokyo at Oedo Onsen, a hot spring park that hosts a selection of indoor and outdoor baths for you to choose from. Embark on a Kyushu tradition of being buried up to your neck in warm volcanic sand – a blessing in this thriving and fast-paced city and the ideal way to relax and unwind before your flight home.

A Japan vacation surprises you at every turn and this is without question a highly original, once in a lifetime family travel experience. Just imagine the stories you’ll tell on your return; “The bruise? It’s from training with a real-life Japanese Ninja”.

Where to rest your head

The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Set in the cultural heart of Japan, the Ritz-Carlton Kyoto represents the perfect blend of ancient heritage and modern luxury. A stone’s throw from many…
View hotel

Aman Tokyo

The ultimate in luxurious city breaks, Aman Tokyo is an urban retreat found in the heart of Japan’s thriving capital. The dizzying heights that come with…
View hotel

“Many companies brag about offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences. But with Black Tomato it’s not hyperbole”

“Black Tomato are one of the coolest things in the world. Don’t even try and live without them”

“Black Tomato is a super innovative company where the sky is the limit for their clients”

“Black Tomato prides itself on meeting customers every minor need or desires”

“Black Tomato is the choice provider of mind-expanding vacations”